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Renewing your Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Michigan driver's licenses and IDs have been redesigned!
Michigan's new driver's licenses and IDs with higher security features are now in circulation. Residents will receive the new license or ID design if applying for their first card or when renewing/replacing their current card. There is no additional cost for the new card and all valid features, designations, and endorsem*nts on a current license or ID will transfer to the new one. Michigan's old card design featuring the Mackinac Bridge is valid until expiration and will phase out over the next five years.
To receive your first-time REAL ID-compliant license or ID, an office visit and further documentation are required.
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How can I apply for or renew my CDL endorsem*nt(s)?
Computer screen showing the Online Services webpage
Online
Renew some endorsem*nts online
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By mail
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Unavailable
Two self-service stations
Self-service station
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Unavailable
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Office visit
Complete your business in an average of 20 minutes
What do I need to add a CDL endorsem*nt to my license? (Choose tab)
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ELDT requirements
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License and certification
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Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH)
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Testing
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Hazmat requirements
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Payment
Beginning February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established new minimum training standards for individuals applying for:
- Class A or B Commercial Driver License (CDL) for the first time
- An upgrade of an existing CDL (e.g., Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL)
- A Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsem*nt on a CDL for the first time
These new minimum training standards are referred to as Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Drivers must complete the required ELDT from a training provider registered with FMCSA before being scheduled for CDL skills or knowledge tests to obtain one of the licenses or endorsem*nts listed previously. Once implemented, the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) will retain a record of which CDL applicants have completed the new training and certification process outlined in the ELDT regulations. A CLP may be issued prior to ELDT being completed. First-time hazardous applicants including those applying for a Class A, B, or C CDL must complete the hazardous portion of ELDT prior to a written knowledge test being administered at a branch office. Customers who received their Class A or B CLP prior Feb. 7, 2022, are exempt from these regulations until the CLP is expired.
Upon completing EDLT, a record of completion will be added to the Michigan Department of State records system. To locate an ELDT provider, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
To apply for a CDL endorsem*nt, visit a Secretary of State office to provide your:
- Valid, unexpired driver’s license
- Completed and signed Commercial Driver’s License Certification form
Additional documents are required for hazardous materials (hazmat), passenger, and school bus endorsem*nts.
Commercial Driver’s License Certification form
Starting November 18, 2024, the State of Michigan must check the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) before carrying out any licensing transactions related to commercial driver's licenses (CDL) or commercial learner's permits (CLP). The DACH is an online database managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and its main purpose is to provide compliance information on drug and alcohol program violations committed by CDL or CLP holders to law enforcement, state licensing agencies (DMV), and employers in the transportation industry.
If a driver tests positive or refuses to undergo a DOT drug test, the State of Michigan will be required to downgrade their CLP or CDL upon receiving notification of a DACH violation from the FMCSA. Afterwards, the driver must successfully complete the return-to-duty (RTD) process with a substance abuse professional (SAP) who is qualified by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
To be issued a CDL endorsem*nt, you must pass the following at a Secretary of State office:
- Vision test
- Knowledge test about the CDL endorsem*nt for which you are applying
Michigan Commercial Driver’s License Manual
If you are applying for a hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsem*nt, visit a Secretary of State office and provide the following in addition to your valid, unexpired license and CDL Certification form:
- A document proving your legal presence in the United States
- A background check completed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
More information on background check requirements is available on the TSA website.
During your Secretary of State office visit, provide payment for the endorsem*nt using cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card (additional fees apply).
License and ID fees
What do I need to renew my CDL? (Choose tab)
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Online
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By mail
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Self-service station
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Office visit
To renew your commercial driver’s license online, you will need:
- Your driver’s license or renewal notice
- An updated valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (also known as a DOT Medical Card) to upload, if you have certified to non-excepted interstate driving
- Payment with credit or debit card (additional fees apply) or e-check/bank account number. Fees: Details in following FAQs.
Note: If you have a hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsem*nt, you can’t renew online.
This transaction isn’t available by mail.
This transaction isn’t available at self-service stations.
To renew your CDL at a Secretary of State office, you will need your:
- Michigan driver’s license
- Completed and signed Commercial Driver's License Certification form
If you self-certify as a non-excepted interstate driver, you must also present a completed and signed Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT Medical Card).
You will be required to take and pass a vision test to renew your CDL endorsem*nt(s).
If you are renewing a hazardous materials (hazmat [H]) endorsem*nt, visit a Secretary of State office to provide the previously listed documents as well as:
- Proof of legal presence in the United States
- A background record check completed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
You will be required to pass a written knowledge test for the renewal of your H endorsem*nt, in addition to the vision test.
Commercial Driver's License Certification form
Frequently asked questions (FAQS)
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What can CDL drivers do to help stop human trafficking?
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What CDL endorsem*nts are available?
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What does it cost to add CDL endorsem*nts?
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How can I prepare for any knowledge exams I'll need to take?
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What documents can be used as proof of citizenship or proof of legal presence?
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What is Entry-Level Driving Training (ELDT)?
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How many training hours are required for entry-level driver training classes?
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How do I apply for the background record check?
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If I already have a CDL and I only need a hazardous materials endorsem*nt, do I need to complete entry-level driver training?
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Do all CDL endorsem*nts require entry-level driver training?
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If I recently renewed my CDL and dropped one of my endorsem*nts, do I need to take the knowledge exam to reapply for the endorsem*nt?
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What if I want to add an endorsem*nt to my commercial driver's license but have misplaced my license?
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If I have equivalent military experience, do I need to take the CDL tests?
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What is the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH)?
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Is the FMCSA Clearinghouse required?
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What happens if a CDL driver tests positive on, or refuses to take, a DOT drug test?
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What must the driver do to be able to resume operating any type of commercial motor vehicle (CMV)?
Still have questions?
More FAQs